Several dozen protesters dressed in black marched from the Shops at San Clemente to the city’s downtown area at midafternoon Sunday in one of two demonstrations in the city decrying the death of George Floyd.
As they marched, the protesters chanted, “No justice, no peace” and some held signs, saying “White Silence = Compliance” and “When injustice becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.”
The group then joined a much larger crowd of about 700 people at the Pier Bowl.
“We are all deeply saddened and angered about the senseless murder of George Floyd,” said resident Eva O’Keefe. “We are hoping cool heads prevail, and we can honor the legacy of George Floyd peacefully.”
Floyd was killed when a Minneapolis police officer held a knee on Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes as he gasped, “I can’t breathe.”
Some shop owners proactively boarded up their businesses and closed early. Others remained in their stores. A few protests around Southern California on Saturday turned violent, including in Santa Ana.
Earlier Sunday, Councilman Gene James walked the city’s Avenida Del Mar to gauge how merchants were preparing.
“The last 72 hours trouble me and create a need to prepare for the worst-case scenario,” said James. “I have had communications with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and city management. It is my opinion OCSD is preparing to the best of their abilities.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Source: Orange County Register
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